Fervent Charity

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” (I Peter 4:8-10)



The word fervent means stretched or strained. It is made of two words which literally means “stretched out”. What does stretched out charity do or look like? Below are seven biblical words in regard to charity, love, and giving.


Everyone – “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him,..” (I Corinthians 16:2)

Grace – “Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” (II Corinthians 8:7)

Love – “I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.” (II Corinthians 8:8)

Willing – “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (II Corinthians 8:12)

Bountifully – “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” (II Corinthians 9:6)

Cheerfully – “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (II Corinthians 9:7)

Unto the Lord – “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matthew 6:1-5)

Four Foundations of Freedom.

"Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics." -John Adams

Public virtue is one of what the American Founders called the Four Foundations of Freedom. The Four Foundations of Freedom are, in order of importance according to most of the Founders:

Private Virtue
Public Virtue
Widespread Education
Auxiliary Precautions

The Founders consistently taught that, in the absence of these foundations, no society can survive, or at least maintain its freedom.

Private virtue means being a person of integrity; being honest in your dealings with others, being faithful in your duties to your family, controlling your appetites, etc.

Public virtue means to voluntarily sacrifice personal benefit for the good of society. For example, George Washington served two terms as President even when, as he was accepting the post, he wrote that it "would be the greatest sacrifice of my personal feelings and wishes that ever I have been called upon to make."

Contrary to our modern conception of education, widespread education to the Founders didn't mean job training; it meant classical, liberal education designed to teach individuals how to think, not what to think (Raed “A Thomas Jefferson Education” by Oliver DeMille).

And finally, auxiliary precautions are a society's forms of government that ideally protect life, liberty, property, and the pursuit of happiness. Auxiliary precautions include Legitimate Foundation, Legitimate Authority, Legitimate Role, Separation of Powers, Checks, Balances, Federalism, Written Constitution, Enumerated Limited Powers, Periodic Elections, Electoral College, and Fractionalization.

Renaissance not Revolution

Sadly we have people on both parts of the political spectrum converging now to storm the Bastille from different sides. Seeing the occupy Wall Street Mob, you should fear directionally where this country may be going. Among the crowd are anarchist and useful idiots that are crying for a revolution. They are clearly against something but with no clear vision of what they are for and even less clarity on ideas or virtue. The time is now but we do not need a revolution; what we need is a renaissance.

After decades of attempting to change things from the top down, we realize that the answer is not a revolution – it is a renaissance. We require a renaissance of people and ideas, not one of systems or policies. Any revolution without a guiding “compass” – a foundation of morals and ideas – ultimately becomes all about power. It creates the followers and useful idiots demanding the immediate overthrow of a system. By contrast, a renaissance is based on personal responsibility and personal enlightenment. It empowers leaders that will transcend to the eventual changing of a system.

The occupy mob on Wall Street and across the country has been called spontaneous, passionate, romantic; and I would add resentful, angry, and delusional - anything but statesmen, spiritual, or reasoned. As they join those on the far right and cry for the heads of the queen and leaders of the systems history tells us their end will throw themselves into the arms of tyranny to save them from the destruction they created.

We agree that the current system is broken and we, as a nation, are on the wrong path. We have drifted far from the nation of people driven by intellect, sacrifice, and public virtue that characterized this country at the time of its founding. We no longer understand – or even concern ourselves – with what it means to be a self-governing leader. As individuals, we have lost our sense of deep obligation to our marriages, our families, our communities, and even to ourselves. We have forsaken our responsibilities to not only empower others, but personally as well.

There is a clear and urgent need for a renaissance among us. It is our responsibility to empower self-governing leaders through education, preparedness, and charity. Leaders in marriages, leaders in families, leaders in businesses and churches, leaders in communities, as well as state-level and national leaders, but first of all – leaders of self in personal life.

“The ancients who wished to illustrate the highest virtue throughout the empire first ordered well their own states. Wishing to order well their own states, they first regulated their own families. Wishing to regulate their families, they first cultivated their own selves. Wishing to cultivate their own selves, they rectified their hearts. Wishing to rectify their hearts, they first sought to be sincere in their thoughts. Wishing to be sincere in their thoughts, they first extended to the utmost, their knowledge. Such extension of knowledge lay in the investigation of things.” – Confucius 500BC

We are at a great crossroads that may determine the future of our nation and the liberties of the next generation. We need a renaissance based on ideas and enlightenment to keep the flame of liberty burning. The time is now, and it is your duty and ours to empower new leaders and founders – and once again be a nation of people driven by intellect, sacrifice, and public virtue.

Beginnings of Greatness!

What do the beginnings of greatness look like? Not the obvious signs that present themselves as results after greatness has developed, but the earlier steps greatness takes as it is being forged. We have been conditioned – and aided by human nature – to look for something flashy and unmistakable as we seek out greatness, but we often overlook that which is much simpler. We rarely see the more humble and unassuming beginnings of greatness really look like.

What about a boy raised by a poor family in a small Kentucky home? Like most children of the frontier, he worked the fields, hunted, and fished – even though this tall and awkward young boy didn’t particularly like any of those activities. Abraham Lincoln as a youth was called a “lazy slip of a fella.” His uncle would defend him saying that Abe was not lazy, but that he just did not like “hunt’n work.” One could conclude that he did not like “hunt’n schooling” either, and he was not fond of the “Babble School” that he was forced to attend. Abe’s father worked hard on keeping him “firm and straight” with punishments that were common in those times. His dad said Abe’s worst habit was “putt’n in” and not knowing his proper place in family discussions. Looking at this tall, lanky boy growing up on the frontier, you see a young man that is awkward, does not like to do chores, does not like school, and talks back – sound like any pre-teens you know? For many years, Abe would go on to fail at most everything he tried, which made it unlikely anyone could see greatness – and the sixteenth president of a nation in turmoil.

We may now be at a turning point in our nation’s history. The political pressure that is driving this great country either over a ledge or into bondage feels overwhelming. There may be signs or glimmers of greatness – but what have we done? We are just ordinary people that came together to see that we were not alone. We now wonder if we are making an impact in this fight for liberty, in the direction of our nation, in the purpose of our lives. We look around and see bigger things others may be working on and question if we are doing enough. Things continue to grow darker, and it gets more and more difficult not only to see greatness, but to see the shining light on the hill. Do you see the beginnings of greatness or the end?

Abraham Lincoln’s childhood was not easy. He learned self-reliance the hard way through the necessity of growing and hunting your own food for survival. Abe was self-educated and loved to read – spending countless hours in front of a fire reading anything he could get his hands on. He learned about self-sacrifice by growing up on the frontier where others depended on you and you helped out your neighbors. He learned self-depravity through a strong faith in divine providence and the values passed on from prior generations.

These are the principles of greatness – and the principles of a statesman. You may not have seen big things from Abe while he was being forged in his developing years, but it was those simple things he did and learned along the way that made him great. It may have been possible to miss the light shining within him as a boy, but this humble torch grew into a great illuminator!

Two-and-a-half years ago, we first met in humble surroundings with no idea what our future as a group had in store for us. Many of us began to read and discover the joy of self-education in our own lives. We picked up books like “The 5000 Year Leap,” “The Federalist Papers,” and other classics. As a group, we promoted personal responsibility – and for many of us, it became a personal mantra. We have become more prepared in our personal lives, and are working towards self-reliance for our families. We combine to form a very charitable group – always coming through when any need arises. So many people have stepped up and given of themselves, personally and selflessly, and demonstrated the principle of self-sacrifice. We are founded on 9 key principles and 12 core values, and everyone has gone beyond just endorsing them – to embracing them and living them!

If you have been part of this movement for anytime, you have felt something. The feeling you recognize in the pit of your soul – as you look at the others involved around you and see what you are becoming – you are witnessing the beginnings of greatness. You are the statesmen and leaders that will arise when called upon. You will be the new leaders in your homes, your churches, your community, and possibly your nation. You are forging a path – not only for you – but the next generation. What may be simple or humble to those looking in, is powerful…and truly the beginnings of greatness!

You may not see it today (or even tomorrow), but stop looking for some powerful display or profound sign. Instead, continue to self-educate, learn self-reliance, experience willing self-sacrifice, and practice self-depravity by putting your full faith in a higher power. These are the principles which forge leaders and in His time you may be called to greatness.

Abraham Lincoln was an awkward, lazy pre-teen – he became a great man.

We are forging the future and the next Jefferson, Washington, Lincoln, or Madison may be among us today – anyone may become a great man or woman.

Today holds the beginnings of greatness!

Intolerant as a Virtue

Toleration is often looked as a great virtue. We are told by many on the left that we need to be tolerant in our thinking. Indeed there are times when it is called for. But never in compromise to principles or what you believe. Remember tolerance for a false doctrine is that which God condemned the churches at Pergamos. They had in their midst those who espoused the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. That which the Lord said He hated, they instead tolerated.

Every principle actually has two sides. There is that which you hold fervently in your heart, mind, and soul – and there is that which is contrary and opposition to it. It is love and firm reliance on what you believe that makes one intolerant of that which opposes or compromises it. It is a lack of devotion or commitment to principles that makes one tolerant of that which is contrary to themselves.

Toleration can be a good virtue, but intoleration of that which is false can actually show true character. Remember, he that does not hate the false, does not love the truth.

The Unsung Heroes Amongst Us

Do you know someone you would consider a patriot? Read more about this hero amongst the 9/12 Project and her amazing contributions. Military Missions.org

Congratulations to Donna Hostetler (9/12er) for everything she does and the well deserved appreciation she is now receiving in this article about her.

Thank You

There is no way this could have been successful without you. We've done a lot of things together (Water for Danville after the ice storm, two truckloads of stuff for the victims of the Pike County floods, 3,000 jars of peanut butter for Haiti), but this was a whole new level!

When I called Pods and asked them for one container because I knew we could fill it, the owner of the company called me back and said they wanted to send three and asked if we could fill all three of them. Before I could think, I just blurted out "yes, or course we can." (Typical of me to just start running my mouth right?)

When they arrived, my producer, Josh and I both wondered what we'd gotten ourselves into? These things were bigger than we expected!

But once again, the listeners and all the people you reached in your own circles came through. It was amazing to watch as car after car on a saturday streamed through. People smiling and working without even being asked. I can assure you that your giving has inspired many, many others to direct action - its gone viral.

As I always say, when individuals give, it doubles the blessing. Both the receiver and the giver are changed.

There are so many tragic stories from this situation, but after talking to folks on the ground in Alabama, I assure you, these people are not victims, they are survivors! We're extending a hand up and they are very thankful - but they are going about their recovery in a spirit of victory.

The most important thing we can do now is keep them in our prayers and thoughts.

Thanks again for your awesomeness!

Leland Conway
Account Executive and Show Host
News Radio 630 WLAP

*****


Very special thanks to Leland Conway from 630 WLAP for putting the disaster relief effort together. Thanks to Shannon, Niki, Lisa, and my wife Lydia for going that extra step. And most of all thanks to everyone that came out with items, gave support, or just offered prayers; Thank you!

Due to everyone’s efforts they filled all three PODS and with the amazing national support we raised will over $3,000 that purchased much needed supplies, items, and tarps to top the containers off before they left.

This is what it is all about. This was not a 9/12 thing; this was 9/12ers, tea partiers, and individuals working together. It was not about politics or religion but about compassion and people. This was about being the people we were the day after September 11th, 2001 when we were united as Americas helping one another, and praying for our fellow countrymen.

Their plight is far from over in Alabama though and they will continue to need our support. Especially in a couple of months when the news cycles are on to their next big story and the visuals have began to fade they will need our help even more. We will be planning something big this summer and please consider or plan to be part of it now.

Thank you again you all have proven yourselves once again to step up and help when the need arises.

Eric Wilson
Executive Director KY9/12

THE 9-12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

There are many stories and traditions around Christmas. One special one revolves around the "The Twelve Days of Christmas", which for the record and so we’re all on the same page, starts on December 25th and ends January 6th (Three Kings Day, or Feast of the Epiphany when the Wise Men arrived in Nazareth).

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England as one of the catechism songs to help young Catholics learn their faith. It was a tool to help people learn the basics of their faith. Each of the gifts mentioned in the song have hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith.

The "true love" doesn't refer to an earthly suitor, but to God Himself. The gifts mentioned in the song are gifts from God. The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ. Many of the other items are symbols as well.

Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
Calling Birds = the Four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John
Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch"
Geese A-laying = the six days of creation
Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

There is obviously great symbolism and meaning behind the 12 Days Of Christmas, but I would also encourage the members of the 9-12 Project to add one of the 12 Values to each day. You can take one of the Values listed below and starting on Christmas Day, make it a priority in your life and the lives of your family. Meditate on the daily value and remind yourself and your loved ones what that value means to you.

THE 9-12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS


Honesty - The foundation for all of our communication with God and each other must start and end with honesty. If we cannot be honest with God and ourselves, then nothing else matters.


Reverence - Reverence is rooted in deep respect. We cannot be respected by others if we do not show respect in our daily lives. Respect yourself first and then show respect and reverence to others around you who deserve it.


Hope - Following Honesty and Reverence, Hope is a powerful Value that gives us energy to face difficult challenges. Hope is an engine, fired by faith, which drives us through the most troubling times.


Thrift - Who among us could not benefit from the value of Thrift? The “mom-ism” Waste not, want not, comes to mind. Being thrifty may not be cool, but I have never met a person who said, “Gee, I wish I had spent more.”


Humility - Perhaps the most rare of personal qualities in our ego-filled, celebrity-driven world is Humility. Putting the needs of others ahead of our own may seem difficult at first, but once made a habit, it is the most rewarding thing one can do. And being humble requires very little effort, just the occasional, “Thank you.”


Charity - Charity is a Value and also one the great Virtues – Charity is something that can and should be taught at all stages of life. So often in good times we forget to be charitable. Oh sure, when someone is hoping to win the lottery they always make a hollow promise that a chunk of the jackpot will be given to needy people and causes. Teaching charity to children is vital to continuing charitable behavior in later years.


Moderation – Is there a better, more perfectly suited Value for New Years Eve than Moderation? It would seem to most people that success in our world often focuses around the extremes… the fastest, the biggest, the loudest, etc. When in fact, it is still the lesson of Tortoise and the Hare that shows us the benefit of “slow and steady.”


Sincerity – Not too far removed from the first value of Honesty, Sincerity is a foundation of all lasting relationships. From the Latin word sincerus, we often think of those who are sincere as genuine, honest, open, and pure. For hundreds of years we were taught to sign our personal letters with the simple phrase “Sincerely yours.” The next time you close a letter with Sincerely yours, you might reflect on whether you really are.


Hard Work – The dignity afforded all people from an honest day’s work is incalculable. Hard work is just that, hard, but it is through difficult tasks and the completion of such that we learn the real value of such work.


Courage – Courage is a value that is often confused with false values like Pride and Bravado. Courage is something very different. Courage is a force within driven by knowledge and an understanding of what is right and should be protected and defended. Courage often swims against the stream of what is popular.


Personal Responsibility – Perhaps the most comforting of all Values is this one. To be truly personally responsible for yourself and to freely accept that responsibility allows for you to grow in so many ways, but also allows others to grow as well. When you accept responsibility, that makes you less of a burden on others.


Gratitude – The ability to be thankful is a Value unto itself, and yet it is also a combination of so many of the values that came before it. Without a full understanding of the previous eleven Values, can one truly be grateful for all of the blessings and lessons this life offers? A simple exercise might be to start and end every day by thanking God for all of the gifts you have been given. Say thank you when you rise and before you close your eyes.

KY9/12 Provides A Lot of Christmas Cheer

I work hard for what I have and I will share it with who I want. The government cannot force me to be charitable.

The Kentucky 9/12 Project has been fortunate enough to team up with Operation Homefront a local nonprofit organization that helps Military Families that are left behind, care packages for the moral of those deployed, and services for wounded warriors when they return. For the Thanksgiving and Christmas Season KY9/12 participated in a special care package collection, adopting and entire field artillery unit hoping to provide to them a little Christmas cheer while serving apart from their families. Some members of this unit are serving their first tour, have taken unscathed direct fire at their barracks, and have also recently endured a loss of a fellow comrade. It was our deepest desire to use this time and our resources during the Thanks / Giving season and make a small sacrifice for those that sacrifice for us.

What happened through this process was KY 9/12 was touched and learned a valuable lesson about ourselves. Faith – Be honest I sent out blanket e-mails not sure who was at the other end and not sure if anybody reads them much less if anyone would respond. This was the hope of things on the evidence of things yet to be seen. Hope – Was the pride as people responded and joy that the wishes of these soldiers would be fulfilled. Learned that faith can be rewarded and 9/12ers should never be underestimated. Charity - KY 9/12 Project learned through this project is how charity can be accomplished the good ole fashion way through the spirit of giving freely without dictation of who is most deserving.

As a statewide initiative, we spent the entire month of November and sent out e-mails and made a call to action to all 9/12 groups in Kentucky not really sure of the response we would receive. We were truly touched by the hearts and desire of 9/12ers to give. Businesses stepped up and offered their places as drop off sites. People came out and gave bags and bags of donations and Christmas gifts. One family gave an entire new circular saw when the troop was only requesting a new saw blade. Shannon Buzard, the KY9/12 coordinator for this donation drive, ended up taking an SUV full of items and drove four hours to the military base and had the honor and humble responsibility of presenting these generous donations directly to wife’s and families of the military troop KY9/12 had adopted.

There are no words to express the gratitude of knowing KY9/12 were able to serve and give back to those who sacrifice greatly not just for our country, but also for others. Special thanks to Shannon for putting this together and thank you to all that gave; and thank you for the personal lesson in faith, hope, and charity.

FAITH, hope, and charity

Faith: Samuel Adams felt America was put together by divine providence — all the founding Fathers did. They relied on it. God played an instrumental role; He was the one we had to have faith in. George Washington said: "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor."

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

What we do see troubles each of us to our souls everyday, and our hope continues to be strained daily by events of today. But let not your heart be troubled. Humble yourself to implore His protection and favor. Our hope is not in what we are seeing but what is yet to be done. Our faith is not in what we are doing but what Christ has done.

Humble yourself and seek Him in prayer. Our country was put together and its future is by divine providence. God is not only an instrumental role but the substance of all things hoped for.

I have often said that if I was omnipotent (having all power to change anything) I would change everything; but if I had omniscience (all knowing) I would not change a single thing…

NOW is the time to not only come together but kneel together to acknowledge His providence, be grateful for His benefits, and humble ourselves and ask for His protection and guidance.

Please join us Every Monday at Cane Run Baptist Church for a 9/12 Prayer Meeting or start one in your area or home.
9/12 Prayer Group meeting
Date: Every Monday
Time: 6:30pm
Place: Cane Run Baptist Church 4326 Ironworks Pike, Lexington, KY
Note: OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS! Come be part of the newly forming 9/12 prayer group. Come join us to pray for our country. We'll meet at Cane Run Baptist Church (across the street from the horse park).


“We're not tired. We're going to keep on fighting this thing. We know that they seek to fundamentally transform America. We will fight it with everything in us — not with bullets, not with guns, but with faith, hope and charity.” – Glenn Beck

faith, HOPE, and charity

Hope: George Washington had a trust in this country and its men that we would defend its rights and liberties. This country was built and the founding fathers strongly believed in personal responsibility. We The People was a hope for a better nation.

If Faith is based on a belief that no matter the outcome it is for the better, then hope is the uncertainty but desire or confident expectation for a specific outcome. If Faith was the foundation for the founding Fathers and this nation, then hope was the building blocks and actions that were applied to that foundation.

There was never (and still) no guarantee of success. We have heard the phrase “great American experiment”. But we know that with the chance of failure there is a much greater HOPE of victory! Hope has accomplished great things in this country, hope has conquered this nations biggest problems, hope is what caused people to give their lives for future generations liberties, hope is what brought millions of people to this country for a better life. Hope is what makes dreams possible and America survive.

"The General hopes and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country." George Washington

Soldiers; we must defend our liberties and fight together for this nations fundamental rights. We have a hope for our children and grandchildren that we see being challenged and threatened. With faith as our foundation, hope as our expectation, unity and truth will be our sword.

PLEASE come together in homes and communities and meet together. Educate yourselves and seek truth. We need each other more than ever before, you can no longer keep to yourselves and give up hope. Never let hope die and act as a single voice and become Christian soldiers defending the dearest rights and liberties of this country.

Take time and find a local meeting in your area or meet with others on your own in your community. Meet Locally

“If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. And so today I still have a dream.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.


“We're not tired. We're going to keep on fighting this thing. We know that they seek to fundamentally transform America. We will fight it with everything in us — not with bullets, not with guns, but with faith, hope and charity.” – Glenn Beck

faith, hope, and CHARITY

Charity: “But now we still have faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (English Standard). The greatest of these is Charity. Faith is our foundation, hope is the building blocks, but it is charity is the mortar and substances that binds this nation together. Remember that day after September 11, 2001 when we were not separated by partisan politics. The day after 9/11 when we were all 9/12ers united as Americans. For a least a day there was not red states or blue states, Democrats or Republicans, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans. We stripped away the hyphens and forgot indent politics and came together. Where is that country, where is that love and unity with your neighbor. We must restore daily not only our faith and hope but charity and love.

It is imperative that we come together and meet with like minded people and it is easy to find love and tolerance for other 9/12ers and your friends. But have you shown charity to an opponent or forgiveness for an enemy? Love wants the best for your children and family and the people closest to you, unconditional love wants the best for all people. Charity looks beyond the color of someone’s skin to the character of the person and finds unity in faith and hope. We are Americans together, charity and love does not stop with a person’s political persuasion or candidates they support.

Local meetings and tea parties are great and we love coming together with brothers and sisters. We have many great church members but what we need now more than ever is some missionaries. What we need is charity towards the people not yet in our fold. Everyone needs to begin reaching out to your neighbors, co-workers, and strangers. We do not want to leave anybody behind. We need to start communicating to people we may feel have different political views as us. This is about Liberty and principles and this is about love that binds us. This is about getting everybody on board the boat standing arm and arm.

Begin shouting from the rooftops and start wakening up the unlikely. Get the message out by any means. Start your own blog and let us know so we can link to it, send out messages on Facebook, twitter, or just talk with someone. Invite everyone you meet out to the next 9/12 meeting or to become a member. Charity is not always monetary but a message of hope and respect to all men.

“The best thing to give to your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.” – Benjamin Franklin

Keep preparing your lifeboats, keep praying and have faith, keep hope strong and working towards restoring principles and values, but remember the greatest of these is charity. If our nation’s ship continues sinking there will be a time when many that have been opposing you will begin to come over and look for direction. Please do this one thing alone; welcome them. Charity not only says forgiveness but has a true desire to say welcome. Not I told you so or you were wrong but welcome here is an oar and start paddling.


“We're not tired. We're going to keep on fighting this thing. We know that they seek to fundamentally transform America. We will fight it with everything in us — not with bullets, not with guns, but with faith, hope and charity.” – Glenn Beck

Virtue (Self-Sacrifice)

Self-Governing Leaders

Liber - Georgics – Virtue - Divine Providence



Virtue (Self-Sacrifice)

This becomes one of those words that over time have been miss-appropriated. The original meaning was “moral excellence or conduct”; from the Anglo-French it was “moral strength or valor”. It is rightfully understood that that the key is morals and values but the subject seems today to be focused on the inward actions. While yes there can not be true public virtue without first private virtue the valor and conduct is the manifestation of ones willingness to serve a greater good. Self sacrifice or public virtue means to voluntarily sacrifice personal benefit for the good of society. It is the integrity and charity you have to others, it is the faithfulness to your marriage and duties as a parent, it is submitting a little bit of yourself for something much bigger than yourself. This drove 56 founders to pledge their lives, fortune, and sacred honor. What are you willing to give – will you be men and women of valor and public virtue?

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